The Miami Dolphins held free safety Bobby McCain out of Sunday’s practice because of the right shoulder injury he suffered in last week’s 22-7 win over to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

McCain, who has served as the team’s starting free safety since the start of training camp, underwent an MRI on Friday that revealed the injury isn’t significant.

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However, with Miami expected to sit most, if not all of its starters in Thursday night’s preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints, this period is viewed as the ideal time to rest the four-year veteran, who made the transition from cornerback to safety this offseason.

The Dolphins will likely have Montre Hartage, an undrafted rookie from Northwestern, replace McCain for the Saints game.

There’s also a possibility that Minkah Fitzpatrick could spent some time at free safety while McCain is sidelined. But the Dolphins have Fitzpatrick slotted to play nickel cornerback, and serve as a coverage specialist for tight ends.

Reshad Jones, who had previously been sidelined by a foot injury, is participating in his third week of practice with the team. It’s possible the two-time Pro Bowler could work at free safety some. But Jones, a nine-year veteran, is not expected to play in the preseason.

Hartage, Walt Aikens and Maurice Smith are the only safeties expected to play Thursday night.

Parker returns to practice

DeVante Parker, who has been sidelined for a week with an undisclosed injury, returned to practice on Sunday after sitting out more than a week’s worth of work.

Parker, who is projected as the Dolphins’ starting split end, has been plagued by injuries his entire NFL career, so Miami’s coaches and trainers are likely being cautious with his participation level.

Also returning to practice was receiver Albert Wilson, who is being brought along slowly because of the hip injury he suffered last October that ended his season early.

The most work Albert has participated in since camp started is 7-on-7 drills during the joint week of practices against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But the six-year veteran sat out last week’s practices, and hasn’t played in any of the team’s three exhibition games.